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Scott leads Poulter in Singapore

SINGAPORE – Two-time winner Adam Scott shot a second consecutive 65 Friday to take a two-stroke lead over defending champion Ian Poulter of England after the second round of the Singapore Open.

Scott had a 12-under-par total of 130 Friday after opening rounds at each of the Serapong and Tanjong courses at the Sentosa Golf Club, where the Australian won titles in 2005 and 2006.

Poulter shot a 63 Friday after an opening 69. Three golfers were level for third, three shots behind Scott, including U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell, who had birdies on his first four holes before finishing with a 68.

Masters winner Phil Mickelsen was six shots behind after opening rounds of 67-69.

Most of the field of 204 was able to complete second rounds Friday after a 4-hour thunderstorm delay Thursday, although 28 golfers will complete their second rounds Saturday morning before the cut is made.

McDowell, of Northern Ireland, birdied the opening four holes and was level with Fred Andersson Hed of Sweden and Kang Kyung-nam of South Korea.

Scott had five birdies and an eagle in a six-hole stretch to make the turn in 29. He returned Friday morning to complete the first round and played 30 holes on the day.

“Every time you have won somewhere you always enjoy going back and you have good feelings,” Scott said. “I have had a great run in Singapore in the past and it would be nice to have another great run over the weekend and get win No. 3.”

Poulter had six birdies on his last nine holes, including a monster putt on the last.

“It was the very, very left edge of the back of the green and I reckon it is a good 100 feet, if not a touch more,” Poulter said. “I certainly can’t remember holing anything of that length in the past.”